This virgin Cuba Libre Mocktail is a mixed drink made with non alcoholic white rum, cola, and fresh lime juice. It is easy to make, so refreshing, and one of the world’s most popular mixed drinks made alcohol free.
Not only will you learn how to make the best non alcoholic version of a Cuba Libre, but I’ll review 3 zero proof white rums too!
The key is using a high-quality white rum that is not only alcohol free, but also reminiscent of sugar cane and Caribbean flavors. After much testing, I have found the 3 best options out there so you can create the perfect virgin Cuba Libre.
Why You’ll Love This Cuba Libre Mocktail Recipe
What is a Cuba Libre?
The Cuba Libre is a mixed Cuban cocktail made with white rum, cola, and lime. This classic drink became popular in the 1900s around the end of the Spanish-American War. Cuba Libre translates to “Free Cuba” and it’s known as the national drink of Cuba. Feel free to read more about its origin here.
Non Alcoholic Cuba Libre Ingredients
This mocktail is only 3 simple ingredients, YAY! Keep reading for a few notes and potential substitutions.
Equipment Needed
- Glassware: Typically a Cuba Libre is served in highball glasses. I chose these glass tumblers.
- Citrus Juicer: To help make hand juicing your lime easier, or use your hands to squeeze the juice out.
- Spoon/ Stirrer: A long handled stirrer is helpful for mixing up your drink well.
How to Make a Non Alcoholic Cuba Libre
1. POUR into your glass non alcoholic white rum, cola, and lime juice.
2. STIR together your Cuba Libre with a long handled stirrer.
3. GARNISH with a lime wedge and sip!
3 Best Non Alcoholic White Rum Spirits
Please keep in mind all zero proof spirits are made different. Depending on your taste preferences, some will taste better than others. Feel free to choose my favorite or any of the other options.
1. Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, this is what I use and it is the closest in flavor and smell to white rum. It has notes of sugar cane, oak, and citrus which perfectly blends with the cola and lime. There is a very small peppery finish to mimic alcohol in the mouth and nose. It is 4.5 calories per serving and allergen free.
2. 270° Botanicals White Caribbean Blend, this one has the most complex flavor profile without the peppery finish. It has notes of Caribbean muscovado, vanilla, and hints of caramel and banana. It is only 5 calories per serving, low in sugar, and is both vegan and allergen free.
3. Arkay Non Alcoholic White Rum, it has a strong peppery finish that is similar to alcoholic versions. The tasting notes are warm sugar cane, but not as pronounced as the others. It has no calories, no sugar, no fat, no carbs, no sweeteners, and is allergen free.
A Few Swaps and Variations To Try
MAKE IT LESS IN CALORIE AND SUGAR by using Coke zero or even diet Coke. This will not only cut down on the calories of this mocktail, but also in the processed sugar.
ADD A DASH OF NON ALCOHOLIC BITTERS for a more complex flavor. All The Bitter is my go to (get 10% off by using my code ENTIRELY10). In this recipe I like to add Aromatic bitters to boost the cane and oak flavors in this Cuba Libre Mocktail.
OPT FOR SPICED RUM INSTEAD OF WHITE RUM. White rum is traditionally used in a Cuba Libre, but dark spiced rum tastes great as well. I recommend Lyre’s Spiced Cane Spirit, Ritual Rum Alternative, or Monday Zero Alcohol Rum. Lyre’s is the closest spice rum alternative I have tried and it has a mild peppery aftertaste to give the zing alcohol gives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
More Rum Mocktail Recipes You Might Enjoy:
Cuba Libre Mocktail
EQUIPMENT
- glassware - highball, drink glasses (my choice), or your choice
- citrus juicer - hand-held
- spoon or stirrer - long handled
INGREDIENTS
- 2 ounces lime juice - freshly squeezed
- 2 ounces non alcoholic white rum - I use Lyre's White Cane Spirit
- 4 ounces cola - Mexican Coke, traditional Coca-Cola, diet Coke, or Coke zero.
- lime wedge - used for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- To a glass add freshly squeezed lime juice, non alcoholic white rum, and cola.NOTE: For an iced and super cold Cuba Libre, add the ice first.
- Stir well with a long handled spoon or stirrer.
- Garnish with fresh lime wedge and sip.
RECIPE NOTES
3 Best Non Alcoholic White Rum Spirits
Please keep in mind all zero proof spirits are made different. Depending on your taste preferences, some will taste better than others.- Lyre’s White Cane Spirit, the closest in flavor and smell to white rum. Notes of sugar cane, oak, and citrus. There is a very small peppery finish to mimic alcohol in the mouth and nose. It is 4.5 calories per serving and allergen free.
- 270° Botanicals White Caribbean Blend, the most complex flavor profile without the peppery finish. Notes of Caribbean muscovado, vanilla, and hints of caramel and banana. Only 5 calories per serving, low in sugar, and is both vegan and allergen free.
- Arkay Non Alcoholic White Rum, has a strong peppery finish that is similar to alcoholic versions. Tasting notes are warm sugar cane, but not as pronounced. It has no calories, no sugar, no fat, no carbs, no sweeteners, and is allergen free.
Metric conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
Refreshing and delicious!